Progressive rock grew in popularity in the ‘60s and ‘70s, employing compositional techniques used in classical or jazz music, and often highlighting instrumental and/or vocal virtuosity. It also might include unusual time signatures, interesting chord progressions, deep and poetic lyrics and sometimes longer works than the normal three-minute Top 40 hit.

The playlist for the concert includes one song by each of the following bands: Genesis, Kansas, Styx, Head East, Supertramp, Uriah Heep, Eric Carmen/Raspberries, Elton John and Yes. Several songs by Deep Purple and five songs by Emerson, Lake and Palmer will be performed.

Bangstad says, “Not all of these songs are progressive rock, but still great rock anthems mostly from the 1970s. A lot of these songs are technically challenging, and really stretches our musical abilities.”

The Progressive Rock Experience concert is one of the select “Free Fridays” classic rock concerts that are sponsored by classic rock radio station WIND-FM (92.5, 95.5, 107.9).

“Free Fridays” is presented by the City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. It is funded in part by a Tourist Development Tax Grant from the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners in conjunction with the Alachua County Tourist Development Council and Culture Builds Florida. “Free Fridays” runs 8 – 10 p.m. each Friday night, from May 4 to Oct. 19 at Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. in downtown Gainesville. The entire “Free Fridays” 2018 schedule can be viewed at www.freefridaysgnv.com. For general information, contact Russell Etling, cultural affairs manager, at etlingrh@cityofgainesville.org or 352-393-8532. For more information about this event, please contact David Ballard at ballarddg@cityofgainesville.org or 352-393-8746.